Pelvic Pain Differential Diagnosis
Pelvic pain can be felt in the abdomen between the hips and belly button. Symptoms vary according to the condition from which you are suffering. Sometimes the hardest part is obtaining a diagnosis. It is very important to be very observant regarding your symptoms and report all new symptoms to your doctor. Testing will help to confirm your condition.
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Types of Pelvic Pain
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There are two types of pelvic pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain is pelvic pain that lasts a few hours to a few days. Chronic pain may come and go or may be constant. In order to be considered chronic pain, it must last for a minimum of six months; otherwise it will be considered acute pelvic pain.
Urinary Tract Infection
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A urinary tract infection may involve the bladder or kidneys. It can occur in both women and men. Symptoms may include a frequent need to urinate, pelvic pain, burning upon urination, fever, back pain in area of kidneys and discoloration of urine.
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Gynecological Problems
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If you are a female and having pelvic pain, it may be related to your uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. There are many different conditions found in woman that can cause pelvic pain.
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows outside of the uterus. If you have had previous damage or infections of your fallopian tubes, you are at an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms include pain on one side of your stomach and vaginal spotting. This is an urgent condition that can be life threatening.
Ovarian cysts are another possible cause of pelvic pain. They are formed as the body ovulates and typically subside after your monthly menstrual cycle ends. Some can persist and cause pain. Symptoms of an ovarian cyst include dull aching feeling, heaviness felt in pelvis and abdominal tenderness.
Dysmenorrhea is a very painful menstrual cycle. It would occur just before and during your menstrual cycle. Symptoms of this condition include severe cramping and muscle spasms through the pelvic region.
Endometriosis is a cause of chronic pelvic pain. Symptoms include pain before and during menstruation, as well as sensitivity in the abdominal region. It occurs when part of the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that grow inside the uterus. Symptoms include heavy and frequent menstrual cycles, pain and pressure in the pelvic area, back pain and an enlarged uterus.
Appendicitis and Gastrointestinal Issues
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Appendicitis is another cause of pelvic pain. Symptoms include nausea, fever and right-side pain between the belly button and pelvis.
If the pelvic pain is due to a gastrointestinal disorder you will have constipation or diarrhea, pain with bowel movements and possibly bleeding from the rectum.
Diverticulitis can also cause pelvic pain. Symptoms of this condition include left lower abdominal pain and tenderness.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is another gastrointestinal disorder that can cause pelvic pain. Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation and abdominal bloating. Stress can bring on this disorder.
Testing to Identify Pelvic Pain
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If you are suffering from pelvic pain, your doctor will do a series of tests to help identify what is causing the pain. Testing may include a full exam, including gynecological exam for women, blood tests, ultrasound, cytoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, computed tomography imaging (CT Scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and possibly an intravenous pyelography.
Pelvic pain is sometimes difficult to diagnose due to the number of conditions that are similar. Once your doctor does identify the problem, treatment can begin according to the condition that is identified.
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